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Handcrafted Surrealism: Photomontage by Richard Smith

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Photos exploring unexpected interrelationships between everyday images through surrealist photomontage by Richard Smith. A self-taught graphic artist, Smith incorporates assimilated photographic techniques and modern photo manipulation approaches into his handcrafted compositions using only his smartphone. He takes elements from nature, pedestrian objects, specially-commissioned photos, and scenes from his travels and neighborhood then fuses the components into ethereal yet cohesive views that transcend their origins.

I call my art “Handcrafted Surrealism,” as I photograph and compose exclusively via smartphone. I believe this medium enhances the personal element of connection between artist and audience, because with a smartphone as medium—your fingers become the brushes; your movements become the brush strokes, and you literally cradle a creation as it comes into existence—all with an object you keep on your person and interact with likely hundreds of times a day. Not all smartphone art has these craftsmanship-like qualities, but in the case of my work, every final creation taken in by viewers is something I have stared at, in hand, physically maneuvering, and repeatedly refining as the elements come into place.

See more of Richard Smith's work, including prints for sale, at his website.